Disadvantaged people in need of physical and mental health counselling in the Victorian government’s Stage 4 lockdown can seek help from Hands on Health Australia.

Although the clinics are closed, online counselling is available through the Head Office support line: Tel (03) 9417 6787.

HoHA Chief Executive, Franca Smarrelli, said today that the sudden announcement by the government had stopped plans abruptly for reopening the six Melbourne clinics on Monday after we had just reopened them following more than nine months of being closed.

“We were just about to reopen our doors to these people, who are experiencing heightened anxiety because of the pandemic, she said.

Their numbers are growing each day. To say that they are ‘experiencing it tough’ is an understatement. Their health needs, especially their mental health issues, are increasing because of the anxiety the pandemic has created and others with ongoing physical pain are also finding the situation very difficult.

We are doing our best for them, but there is an urgent need for government help because just as the COVID virus is multiplying, so are the needs of the disadvantaged.”